TRANSLATION www.babelfish.altavista.com
A traditional coutry house to rent in the Berber village of GHAZOUA, only 5 miles from mystical Essaouira and Sidi Kaouki beach. " The freshest fish, the wildest windsurfing and a laid back '60s legacy add up to Morocco's most fashionable coastal resort " TIME OUT
REVIEWS, PROPERTY DETAILS, PHOTOGRAPHS, AND RENTAL PRICES ;
www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/84145 Rental guarantee and contract available.
GET MORE FOR YOUR HOLIDAY POUND IN WONDERFUL MOROCCO !!!!!!
ESSAOUIRA... is generally acclaimed as one of the most enchanting spots along Morocco's Atlantic coast, and is rumoured to become as infamous as St. Tropez. Its sunny and temperate climate hardly changes from month to month, and the cool sea breeze is as welcoming as the generosity and warmth offered by the inhabitants.
The liberal and tolerant atmosphere strongly characterises the mood on the streets, where fishermen, merchants, craftsmen, musicians and artists of all kinds, come to share their work, play and friendship.
This exotic Moroccan fishing port was once the home of the " hippy hippy sheiks " in the seventies, and today a new wave of tourism is adding style to its ramshackle charms. In the late afternoon the medina, Essaouira's old walled quarter, glows pink, a fabulous sight as falcons swoop across the beach from the island of Mogador. The towns ramparts are so picturesque that they have been used for numerous films, most recently Ridley Scotts KINGDOM OF HEAVEN. Down in the harbour a flottila of fishing boats arrive back at this thriving port with all manner of exotic sea creatures, cooked in the many restaurants straight from the nets, and washed down with cold rose wine.
In Morocco, shopping is an art form, and Essaouira is no exception. But instead of the twists and turns of the typical souk, where you may get lost and have to pay a local urchin to get you out, Essaouira is very easy to navigate. A great introduction to the Arabian way of life. There are literally hundreds of shops offering beaten brass souvenirs, inlaid thuya woodwork, multi-coloured slippers, carpets, rugs, blankets, lamps, jewelry and spices. In addition to the fun of haglling over prices, freshly brewed mint tea appears from everywhere, and buying a carpet can take several hours, or even days.
These bustling streets are littered with antique shops, local artists and painters, wonderful cafes, and restaurants all within a unique safe, friendly, and welcoming environment. Essaouira is still as enchanting, evocative, and as endearing as it was during the eighteenth century, the town is still a hub of Moroccan art, and recognised as a world heritage site by UNESCO.
MOROCCAN TOURIST OFFICE ; 205, Regent Street, London W1R 44B. 020 7437 0073.
BOOKING CONDITIONS.
We require a 30% deposit at the time of booking, and recommend that you take out comprehensive travel and cancellation insurance. There is no free health care in Morocco. www.insureandgo.com
The balance is due four weeks prior to your departure. Payments can be made by cheque, or preferably a direct bank transfer. A £100 security bond is also payable four weeks prior to your departure via bank transfer or cheque. If you live outside of the UK we can arrange the deposit to be paid in Moroccan Dirham 1600 on arrival at the house.Subject to our rental contract, being completed and signed. The security bond/deposit will be returned in full on your departure subject to our rental terms and conditions. A rental contract is available on request. Any cancellations outside of six weeks prior to departure will get a full refund. Within six weeks prior to your deparure you will forfeit your deposit. We accept no responsibility for travel arrangements made by us on your behalf, any personal injury or theft , our house & public liabilty insurance being supplied by Intasure. The rental property including all fixtures and fittings are to be treated with care.The tenant is held responsible for the actions of other people,including any guests or visitors they might have within the house.The tenant is liable for any damaged or lost goods, damage to the property or anything else related to the property, whether caused by themselves or their accomanying guests or visitors. By paying your deposit, you are agreeing to our terms and conditions. All prices,services, and information are subject to availability and given as a guide only.
LOYALTY BONUS & FAMILY & FRIENDS.
Should you wish to return to the Kingdom Of Morocco we are offering a 10% discount , this will also include bookings via your recommendation to family & friends etc.
FLIGHTS.
There are many cheap flight providers on-line, and price-comparison sites.But is cheaper to book direct, on line with the airline. We can highly recommend www.thomsonfly.com high frequency flights Manchester to Marrakech, 3 flights per week Birmingham to Agadir ( seasonal)
London Luton to Marrakech via Ryanair www.ryanair.com .......................................NEW..................................www.skyscanner.net
www.airparks.co.uk for the cheapest airport parking.
www.london-luton.co.uk for interactive airport information.
Flights from Birmingham and Manchester concentrate on Agadir, and are much more expensive. There are numerous flights per day from Gatwick including :
www.royalairmaroc.com www.atlas-blue.com www.ba.com Heathrow Airport
AIRPORT TRANSFERS AND CAR HIRE.
1 British pound = 14.45 Moroccan Dirham 100dh = £7.00 150dh = £10.00 approx.
Air-con mercedes taxis ( approx 700moroccan dirham) per journey Marrakech to Essaouira 2.5hrs.
www.essaouiranet.com www.gardenia-tours-marrakech.com
Car hire starts from £25.00 per day, petrol is cheap, there are plenty of garages, straight,well sign-posted roads, but do get the Morocco pocket Guide, map and International Driving licence from the AA UK. www.theAA.com ESSAOUIRA BUS TIME TABLE ; www.morocco-holidays.com
Other links, as well as using your search engines ;
www.agadir-info.com www.marrakech-info.com
However you may wish to hire a car from the many companies on arrival in Essaouira.
ESSAOUIRA pronounced essawheera
GHAZOUA pronounced gazwha
INFORMATION & VISITORS BOOK
We have a very comprehensive information book in the house, and we welcome your valued comments, even constructive critisism in our visitors book, or on-line at www.tripadvisor.com
ESSAOUIRA GNAOUA AND WORLD MUSIC FESTIVAL
Usually held in June, attracting around 10,000 foreign visitors to its array of free and ticketed events.
This event is planned for 26-29 June inc. 2008
PRACTICAL INFORMATION.
There is a NEW Tajine Restaurant in the village, the owner being very friendly, helpful, speaking English, and offering wonderful massage at her house nearby. The shopkeeper next door is wonderful, he will let you pick your own goods from his store, and even deliver!
The local time is GMT. The electric current is 220volts, 50hz, two pin plugs and eco light bulbs are in use.There is a hair dryer.There is a well stocked first aid kit, with hyperdermic needles, and thermometer, but there are numerous pharmacies in Essaouira. However do check the date stamping as drugs deteriorate quickly in the heat, it is wise to take a supply of pain killers, anti-diarrhoea pills and a sun burn remedy. Do not buy illegal drugs. In case of any power cuts, there are wind up torches and candles(use carefully) This is Africa, do expect a lot of sand carried by the wind, and building works.
Mosquitoes are not generally a problem, and no vaccinations are required at the moment, but do check with your doctor. The beds have mozzie nets over them, mosquitoes are attracted to perfumes and aftershaves, so wear a little mozzie spray instead.
Please respect our neighbours, their children, animals, property and land. Please do not allow ANY animals in to the house. Keeping noise on the roof terrace to a minimum after midnight.
Roads and pavements can be uneven, and tiled floors and stairs slippy, please be careful, and wear sensible shoes. There are road and street lighting improvements in progress.
This is Africa! and yes most of the time it is hot and sunny, so do take care in the sun.
Especially when taking part in outdoor pursuits e.g horse / camel riding, quad biking & water sports.
There is often a cooling wind and mist in Essaouira early morning and evening. Walks on the beach can be blustery. The short winter can bring cold nights, and some rainy days, but there is usually real sun and strangely less wind than the summer.
Swimming from the beach is gorgeous and refreshing, but bear in mind that this is the Atlantic,and not the med.
HOUSE SERVICES.
Cleaning . Laundry . Ironing .
Tajine or Cous-cous ; Chicken, fish, beef, mutton, or vegetarian .
Barbeque by arrangement and market prices.
Breakfasts ; Bread, marmalade, boiled egg, butter, cheese, orange juice, coffee, tea.
Take your favourite instant coffee and tea bags with you.
All services, including trips, should be requested in advance from Tiabi, agreeing a price,and paid in moroccan dirham directly to him.
PHONES.
There is no land line in the house, a tele-boutique is only 5 minutes walk away, using telephone cards or cash. Request an International text and voice bundle from your mobile phone provider prior to your departure, providers are reducing international calls by 85%, however Morocco is in zone 5, and may not be included.
There are several internet-cafes in Essaouira, and available at the Tajine Cafe next to the KM8 restaurant.
CURRENCY & CHANGE
You can not buy Morrocan Dirham outside of Morocco, or indeed take the money in and out of the country. The exchange rate is very stable,and hardly varies. 100 Moroccan Dirham = £6.00 approx.
There are two Bureau de Change before you leave the airport, and upon entering the airport. Cash dispensers are user friendly in English, and outside the many banks in Essaouira . Bank Populaire in the main square will exchange English notes in to Moroccan Dirhams, the receptionist also speaks English. But credit cards are not widely accepted.
RESPECT.
This is a Muslim country with the friendliest people on earth. Please do not wear beach clothes in or around the towns or villages. Be firm but polite wth traders and beggars, but reward any help or assistance you may be given. Tipping in bars & restaurants is 10%. Bars and restaurants will be closed during the day for the month of Ramadan. There are many stray dogs and not many are kept as pets, plus donkeys are working animals, but SPANA is slowly educating the Moroccans in animal welfare.
ALCOHOL & CIGARETTES.
THIS IS A NON SMOKING HOUSE but feel free to smoke on the roof terrace, using ashtrays and disposing of the ashes carefully.
Smoking is part of the culture in Morocco, including hashish or flying carpet.
American and local cigarettes are very cheap, there is not a smoking ban in public places, although some bars and restaurants are smoke free. Not every restaurant serves alcohol, always check the menu & prices. Moroccan flag lager is the cheapest, imported wines and spirits, including cocktails can be very expensive. There are two "off-licences" near ARGON TOWER behind the medina in Essaouira, there is no signage, so you need to look in every door, but they have a comprehensive supply of wines,beers and spirits.
SAFETY.
Crime is not a major problem, and the streets are safe to walk, even late at night. However do be aware at all times, especially in the crowded medina, and public transport. There are key touts at the entrance to Essaouira, and most cars are stopped entering and leaving towns and cities.Official guides should wear an official Tourist Authority badge. A touristic brigade, omni-present and plain clothed police guarantee peacefullness at all times.
There are also many uniformed police about, who are very polite and helpful. With a police station near the clock tower in Essaouira.
LANGUAGE
English is often understood, so is French, so please try your "school boy French".
The main languages being Arabic, Berber, and some Spanish.
Tip ; keep a note of of the directions to the house, French numbers for haggling and payments.
Ask for the amount to be written down, it is much easier, always check your change, and do not flash your cash!!
DIRECTIONS
On the main Agadir road 8 kilometres from Essaouira, is the village of GHAZOUA pronounced Ghazwha, with several shops, and a large restaraunt sign in red and white KM8. Take the road opposite, DO NOT BEAR LEFT, carry straight on past the local shops, and the teleboutique is on your right.
Take the next turning left, first right, and the house is situated on the left. The front door 5yards past the blue garage door. There is an enamel house sign in white & blue enamel, VILLA TAZMIN. The key turns to the left.
FAVOURITE LINKS.
video guide to Morocco, featuring Essaouira.
www.al-bab.com/maroc/trav/essaouira.htm
Africa FAQ
Google Earth wonderful views of Essaouira, the Atlantic coast, even Villa Tazmin.
http://weather.msn.com/local.aspx?wealocations=wc:MOXX0021
weather in Essaouira
www.hiptravelguide.com/morocco/essaouira.htm
www.spana.org/countries/locations_morocco.php
BUYING PROPERTY OR LAND IN MOROCCO.
I can advise you of all the pitfalls, and highly recommend land or property in Ghazoua, and introductions to our agents and an English speaking Notary in Essaouira.